Through the Storm by Lynne Spears
When I read the introduction to the book I was hopeful that it would be a heartfelt memoir from a mother who loves all her children unconditionally. Lynne Spears begins the book by asserting that this book is dedicated to her children and she wants them to know how much she loves them, no matter what horrible things have happened in their lives. She goes on to state that this book will not be gossip about her children but is instead her own memoir and thoughts on the fame and tabloid stories her daughters have experienced.
The beginning of the book is about Lynne’s parents, her childhood, adolescence, marriage, and relationships with her sister and friends. The deeper into the book I delved the more annoyed I became. Lynne constantly mentioned Britney’s and Jamie Lynn’s situations throughout her own history. Though she mentioned her first born, Bryan, in the beginning and throughout the book his part seemed to be an afterthought that was added in later when she realized he should be a part of the story.
I felt as if Lynne Spears was “name dropping” throughout the book and making herself seem more important than she actually is. She mentioned her own heartache by watching Britney’s career and its downward spiral. Including how devastated she was as she watched her middle child shave her head on television.
I also noticed that throughout the story she made excuses as to why she could not be with Britney in certain instances. She did not travel with Britney when she recorded her first album. She was not with Britney when her children were taken away. She was not with Britney when she spiraled out of control and infamously shaved her head. The book was riddled with instances of how she was needed elsewhere.
All in all, I believe this book was Lynne’s attempt to clear her name in the public eye and make her children out to be victims of fame and fortune. The book was erratic at best and followed no true timeline or direction. I am glad I did not purchase this book as I would have been disappointed by the loss of money. But then, who am I? Each reader forms his or her opinions independent of my thoughts or perceptions. But if you choose to partake in this “narrative” be wary of the strategies that went into this book.
